Exploring the idea of using the Leap Motion, along with the GECO gestural MIDI app, as a DJ controller for Traktor. DJ SelArom is not using the Leap Motion as a replacement for a traditional DJ controller, but to augment it with new gestural controls, more info below:

I recently got the Leap Motion Controller, and here is the first attempt to use it mixing live. Still getting used to doing this without flailing around like an idiot, but it’s definitely a lot more fun that it looks!

If there is enough interest I’ll write up a blog about the software and mappings, sound off in the comments and let me know what you think!

Traktor DJ Cable is an ideal solution for beginner DJs starting out with Traktor DJ.

Traktor DJ Cable lets you pre-listen to your next track for smoother mixing. Unlike standard splitter cables, it splits your A and B decks onto separate outputs, so you can listen to each one independently. With a standard splitter cable, you’d hear the same audio from both outputs.

Going over the features and demonstrates the controls of the Numark Orbit wireless DJ controller.

The Numark Orbit has the standard DJ controls you can come to expect from other popular DJ controllers. There are some obvious differences but you have everything you need to get mixing and performing, right out of the box. While many DJ controllers tout the “plug and play” functionality but require a few extra steps to get going, the Numark Orbit and it’s companion Orbit DJ software synched as soon as I got connected. So if you are someone who is just starting out with audio and DJ software, you can rest assured that the Numark Orbit will not put up a fight when it comes to getting started right out of the box.

The pads, the bank buttons, the bumpers, and the endless rotary, all have a great feel and the controller itself is built very well. Using the rotary wheel in the middle is certainly a different way to DJ. It can be used to control volume, EQ levels, and act as a crossfader depending on what function you have it assigned to control. The wheel itself responds well to the touch and has a nice LED indicator for your level control.

Next to the wireless capabilities, the built in accelerometer is sort of what the Numark Orbit is all about. You can control all the parameters of your effects by tapping the bumpers and manipulating the controller in the proper fashion. Each bumper can control a parameter of a selected effect on its own, or you can hold down both bumpers and open the full function of the accelerometer control. You can lock the Numark Orbit’s accelerometer by double tapping the bumper, which eliminates the need to hold the bumper down when controlling effects.

Witness the evolution of TRAKTOR KONTROL X1. A new multi-purpose touch strip lets you nudge, needle drop, or get creative with loops and effects – at the swipe of a finger. Touch-sensitive encoders provide smart, reactive TRAKTOR integration. Command your decks as RGB back-lit buttons provide constant feedback, even in the darkest clubs.
Power, precision, and portability under maximum control – you’ve never felt closer to the music.

Music Radar demos NI’s latest DJ controller, which works for both Traktor Pro 2 and Traktor DJ for iOS

It features mixer controls for two channels – each with faders and controls for gain, three-band EQ and a rotary which can be switched between controlling either Traktor’s filter or one of the software’s effects.

The Z1 also features a built-in audio interface, and allows tracks to be cued via an independent headphone output with its own volume and blend controls.

Native Instruments REAKTOR’s Aerobic just begs to be used inside MASCHINE. There are any number of ways to use Aerobic inside Maschine, but let’s look at two specifically: 1) as a drum synth whose individual hits can be triggered by MASCHINE’s Pads, and 2) as a DJ-style loop-mixing setup.

Back to basics! Ean goes through the basics of great cue point placement and usage in Traktor Pro. Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/10KXgIu

With 300 to 500 songs (minimum) in a digital DJ’s regular rotation, it’s nearly impossible to remember every song’s structure, but knowing your music remains one of the most important requirements for all DJs. Upon loading a new track, the most important things to know instantly about a song are:

Where is the first beat?

Where is the best place to start mixing?

When does the vocal, bass line, or main part of the song begin?
Stated differently, where should I be done with the mix?

Where are the most natural mix out points in the song?

Fortunately most DJ software has a variety of cue points that can be used as flags to remind you of the critical places in a track. Traktor has a set of cue points which are different colors and serve different purposes, so these are best suited for flagging a track.

Phil Morse of Digital DJ Tips gives a ten-minute talkthrough of all the main features of Traktor DJ for iPhone from Native Instruments, a groundbreaking DJ app for iPhone. Full review at: http://www.digitaldjtips.com/2013/05/…

The Verge’s Trent Wolbe is joined by Jim Mazur to show off the new Traktor DJ app for iPhone. Previously only available on the iPad, Traktor DJ allows you to mix music using an easy touchscreen interface.

The unit might have a toy feeling – but it could absolutely could have a place as a secondary controller for those looking for a very handheld unit to add to their setup. The controller has attachments that will allow it to be worn around the neck, a belt, or in other ways that make it easy to access.

The comparisons to a video game controller are the most apt in terms of controls as well – with trigger controls on either shoulder of the unit. The mappings on display at the Numark booth weren’t anything to write home about, but we found ourselves easily imagining some cool jogwheel based effects for the controller.